Final answer:
The 'Salem tragedy' was caused by the paradox of the Salem witch trials, where accusations and trials were based on superstition and hysteria rather than evidence and rationality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 'paradox' that caused the 'Salem tragedy' refers to the contradiction between the beliefs and actions of the people involved in the Salem witch trials. The tragedy occurred in 1692 when several people were accused of practicing witchcraft and were subsequently executed. The paradox lies in the fact that the accusations and trials were based on superstition, hysteria, and unfounded evidence, going against the principles of justice and rationality.
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